Full Knee Replacement Options, Robotic Assisted or Conventional, Which did you choose and Why?

[GrandpaSmurf825]

When your wife received the "Smart Knee" did she sign any kind of disclosure document or was it a surprise? Did she have a voice in the decision, what type, if any, disclaimers were there, such as length of monitoring, information collected and insurance coverage long term if required??

They told her up front and as I recall she signed a release for it. She could have declined it if she wanted. It's already stopped reporting. Batteries have died. We even tried to revive it but they won't reconnect to the modem they supplied.

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

Also, how is it monitored? If it's via a cellphone aap, she could "conveniently forget" to install it.

After the surgery there is an app that they had sent that we logged on to and we connected a modem they supplied to our WIFI at home. Each night while it would download the days data when within 10-15 feet of it. We know this because they contacted us and said try moving it closer to where she sleeps because it wasn't connecting. So it had to be relatively close to pick the signal up. She did have a app on her phone and she could see her activities as well. It also would tell her how she was doing. That's also how she knew it wasn't working any longer. It stopped giving any updates on daily step count etc.

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

I've had surgery's before, never had to take meds afterwards prior to going to the dentist. It must be specific to implants, maybe one's body never really accepts the implant??

My wife broke a tooth right before the second knee replacement and they decided that since it wasn't bothering her to just let it be until 6 months after the knee surgery. It can be a bad thing getting infection in the bone and something that they watch closely after the surgery to make sure everything looks well. She just got her tooth repaired last week I believe.

 

[Oaktree]

The other thing is therapy. No pain no gain!!! If they don't have you in therapy the next day that is a red flag IMHO. It also goes better at a facility then if they come to your home.

How does that work with the therapy at home vs a clinic? When it comes time to have mine done, I'm seriously leaning towards an actual orthopedic clinic as opposed to the relatively small rural hospital nearby. Much more likely to have experienced doctors and more up-to-date technology. We're talking a 2 hour drive each way...rather not have to do that multiple times a week.
What does the therapy entail?

 

[Mi-Troll]

I just arrived home from the pre-surgery meeting with the doctor. Thanks to all those that replied to the OP, I was able to ask relevant questions that I wouldn't have known to ask without your information. This is a sports medicine facility; they work with all of the pro sports teams in the area.

We spoke about the differences between the traditional and the robotic assisted surgery, he said that by using the traditional method, it's more subjective on angles, etc. Essentially, he is able to hand fit the knee replacement and only does the assisted surgery about one out every eight implants, he utilizes the assisted surgery for those that have allot of deformity. He feels it's best to go with the traditional for my knee. I'm scheduled for Feb. 6th.

We spoke about having my teeth cleaned just prior/post to the surgery, he said no problem and that there's conversations regarding this, now they believe it's really not an issue as many think it is. He did mention meds for maybe one year after but not necessary and certainly not for the rest of my life as some mentioned.

 

[bigtiller]

We spoke about having my teeth cleaned just prior/post to the surgery, he said no problem and that there's conversations regarding this, now they believe it's really not an issue as many think it is. He did mention meds for maybe one year after but not necessary and certainly not for the rest of my life as some mentioned.

I think it is one of those "doctor opinion" things.
In the past 8 years I have been told by various professionals to take the pills....
1- The rest of your life
2 - For a year or two
3 - I won't do the work if you haven't taken the pills
4 - You can take them later when you get home
5 - Do what your surgeon told you to do

I am doing choice #5. simply because it lets everyone else off the hook.

 

[WM75Guy]

A big push for antibiotic stewardship started in healthcare a few years before I retired from the hospital. Antibiotics were being over-prescribed or the wrong antibiotic was being used. One issue was the prophylactic use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons have come out with position statements that don't recommend it for patients that have had joint replacement except for a small subset of patients with pre-existing conditions. It takes time to get changes to take place at the bedside. My dentist refers me back to my ortho surgeon, who doesn't think that prophylactic antibiotics are needed. He is one of the top trauma ortho docs at the trauma center, up to date on the latest research. He also told me several years ago to quit coming back every year for a follow-up unless I was having a problem, it was a waste of my money and his time.

 

[check]

I had my right knee done Dec 3, 2025 and then the left on April 2. Both are still sore, although I can walk and climb stairs. I just can't walk far before I have to stop and rest. I have been doing my rxercisrs, but mot 3 times a day like they tell you.

I am amazed at how many people are pain free in a few months, whereas I am not.

And now I find out that I have "moderate" hip arthritis, and indeed my hips start to hurt before my knees do when I walk around Home Depot.

Bummer

 

[bigtiller]

I had my right knee done Dec 3, 2025 and then the left on April 2. Both are still sore, although I can walk and climb stairs. I just can't walk far before I have to stop and rest. I have been doing my rxercisrs, but mot 3 times a day like they tell you.

I am amazed at how many people are pain free in a few months, whereas I am not.

And now I find out that I have "moderate" hip arthritis, and indeed my hips start to hurt before my knees do when I walk around Home Depot.

Bummer

Visit with a chiropractor.
I had the same complaint and a chiropractor made me feel better after a few adjustments. I still go in for a "tune-up" every month to keep the bones in proper order.

 

[QRTRHRS]

How does that work with the therapy at home vs a clinic? When it comes time to have mine done, I'm seriously leaning towards an actual orthopedic clinic as opposed to the relatively small rural hospital nearby. Much more likely to have experienced doctors and more up-to-date technology. We're talking a 2 hour drive each way...rather not have to do that multiple times a week.
What does the therapy entail?

There is a lot to it. Do a search to get an idea. My surgeon shared a building with a physical therapy practice owned by the same hospital. That was convenient as I had some issues and one of the nurse practitioners simply walked through the building to see me. However, the almost hour drive was uncomfortable and I had to depend on my wife driving me and she hates driving our van. I switched to a local clinic ten minutes away and they did just fine when compared to therapy at yet another facility that I worked with for another issue. I happen to have a multi station gym , an exercycle, weights, etc. I also had an adjustable step for doing step exercises but my balance was a bit shaky. I bought a power cage to hold onto while doing the step work. So, I went to therapy two or three times a week ( I forget) and worked out at home as well.